Sensory sensitivity after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Sensory hypersensitivity is a possible frequent complaint after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and negatively impacts quality of life. However, its prevalence, severity, and underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this cross-sectional, observational study, we examined the prevalence of increases in and degree of sensory sensitivity eight weeks after SAH compared to healthy controls, and explored its associations with cognitive functions (processing speed and working memory) and psychological factors (anxiety and depression). SAH patients (n = 62) and healthy participants (n = 119) completed a shortened version of the Multi-Modal Evaluation of Sensory Sensitivity (MESSY) questionnaire. Additionally, SAH patients underwent neuropsychological assessment measuring processing speed (Reaction Test) and working memory (Digit Span backwards), and completed a questionnaire on anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Increases in sensory sensitivity after SAH were reported by 76% of the patients. The degree of sensory sensitivity complaints was higher in SAH patients than healthy controls (p = 0.006, partial η2 = 0.04). Increased sensory sensitivity was associated with increased depressive symptoms (p = 0.037, R2 = 0.27). There was no evidence for a relationship between anxiety, processing speed, or working memory and sensory sensitivity (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the high prevalence of increases in sensory sensitivity after SAH, emphasizing the need for systematic assessment.